The winter months are a perfect time to make some positive changes to your game. Here is a list of 9 tips to help you have a productive offseason.
LOOK BACK, AND LOOK AHEAD
Even though you may not want to, take a look back at how you played in 2020 and get a plan together for 2021 with some realistic goals. The best place for improving your game starts here.
PREVENT YOUR SWING FROM HIBERNATING
Keep moving and keep your rhythm. If you don’t have the room in your home to be swinging a golf club, then head over to a simulator or pick up a training aid and get back into the swing of things. Keep your golf muscles going and maintain that muscle memory.
COMMIT TO FITNESS
Easier said than done, am I right? Find that motivation (reference #1 on this list) and start chipping away at a routine that is enjoyable. Both cardio and strength training will help improve that game of yours. Be sure to take care of any nagging injuries before you hit it hard.
EVALUATE YOUR EQUIPMENT
Go through your bag and take a good look at everything. What needs to be adjusted, regripped, reevaluated and/or replaced. This exercise applies to all equipment and not just the clubs in the bag. Your gloves, golf balls and shoes are essentials when discussing equipment that is properly fitted for you and your game. One surefire way to get excited about the upcoming season is treating yourself to a new club (or 14).
Check your entire bag and take inventory of your equipment.
PUTT EVERYWHERE
A skill you can honestly practice absolutely anywhere. Putting accounts for approximately 43% of your total strokes. Waiting for that water to boil on the stove? Work on that putting stroke. Listening to a conference call you don’t have to actively participate on? Work on that putting stroke.
CONSIDER TAKING LESSONS
This applies to everyone out there looking to build on their game (high handicap players, elite amateur players and beginners). Let’s dismiss the misconceptions about working with a teaching professional… they are not just for the competitive elite golfers. If you are a high handicapper or new to the game, working with a PGA Professional will benefit you more than anyone else. Lucky for you Massachusetts has so many incredible coaches and PGA Professionals that you could be working with.
Team up with a local PGA Professional.
GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME
Read blogs and books, watch video, listen to a podcast, have conversations and do some critical thinking. There is an abundance of material out there for you to digest so find the ones that fit with your style and interest you the most.
GET AWAY (IF YOU CAN)
Even if a trip to the simulators is all you can do right now, go do it! Times are tough but it is important to be creative in how you get your golf fix. Golf will give you that much needed mental release even if it is only for an hour or two.
SET A SCHEDULE
Now is the time to start picking out the events you want to play in. You’ve got some time to work on that handicap once the season starts April 1st so if the eligibility is within reach, go for it! Mass Golf has great events for all playing abilities so be sure to check out our schedules and don’t miss registration open dates!
